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Larimer County Offices, Courts, D.A., and Landfill are closed Nov. 22, 2018. Larimer County Offices remain closed Nov. 23rd, but Courts, D.A., and Landfill are open Nov.23rd.
Critical services at Larimer County are not disrupted by closures.

Red Mountain Open Space

25 miles north of Fort Collins

Red Mountain Open Space is open to the public for the spring, summer, and fall months.

The Management Plan for Red Mountain Open Space requires closures to the public December 1 to March 1 because of winter weather changes and the wildlife requirements.

Deep crimson and tan rocks, rolling grasslands, and sandy washes await you at Red Mountain Open Space, an almost 15,000-acre open space in northeastern Colorado. From the trailhead, hikers, bikers, and horseback riders can take off on over 15 miles of multi-use trails. Then, they can access the trails in two adjacent protected areas that are part of a much larger vision — the Laramie Foothills Mountains to Plains Project — which protects over 55,000 acres of ecologically and culturally diverse landscape.

Some of the first humans in North America resided here over 12,000 years ago, and people have lived and worked this land since. Out of respect for these cultures, collection of any artifact is strictly prohibited. It is up to each of us to help preserve the ecological and cultural integrity of this area.

Red Mountain Open Space has no entrance fee and is open dawn to dusk, March through November. The trailhead is on County Road 21, just 25 miles north of Fort Collins.

Features

Accordion

From Fort Collins: Take State Hwy 1/Terry Lake Rd to CR15 (aka the Waverly turn off) - go north (left) on CR15, turn west (left) on CR78, turn north (right) on CR17, turn west (left) on CR80, turn north (right) on CR19 (pass gravel pit on left), turn left on CR21. Go over several cattle guards, traveling about 7 miles on CR21 which will end at the trailhead parking area.

From I-25: Take the Owl Canyon Road exit and head west. Owl Canyon Road is also CR70. Go north (right) on CR15, turn west (left) on CR78, turn north (right) on CR17, turn west (left) on CR80, turn north (right) on CR19 (pass gravel pit on left), turn left on CR21. Go over several cattle guards, traveling about 7 miles on CR21 which will end at the trailhead parking area.

There is no water available at the Red Mountain Open Space trailhead for people or livestock.

Carefully prepare for recreation at Red Mountain Open Space. The area is remote and rugged. Be aware of weather conditions and watch closely for changes in the weather. High winds and extreme sun are common in this area. Quick moving thunderstorms are also common.

Groups using the trails at Red Mountain Open Space may not exceed 12 heartbeats without a special events permit from Larimer County Natural Resources. That is no more than 12 people or six horses and riders without a permit. See permitting instructions

No public access December through February. The area is closed seasonally due to sensitive wintering range for large mammals and low recreational opportunities.

Day use only – the open space trails and trailhead are closed from sunset to sunrise.

A special use permit is required for any group use and special activities.

Management Plan

Resource experts developed the management plan for Red Mountain Open Space in collaboration with the management plan for the adjacent Soapstone Prairie Natural Area (City of Fort Collins) that included an extensive public process.

Note: If you have an emergency, please call 911. If you need to report a crime or ask a police related question, please call the Larimer County Sheriff's Office at 970-416-1985.

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